Bar licence revoked after double stabbing

Staff at the Aviator Sports and Live Lounge were accused of misleading the police

Staff at a bar stripped of its licence after being linked to a double stabbing say it will reopen, despite not being able to sell alcohol.

Aviator Sports and Live Lounge in Newton Aycliffe was the subject of a review after police raised concerns about its management.

A Durham County Council committee meeting voted unanimously to revoke the licence.

To protect jobs, the venue said it would be selling food through delivery sites, and inviting customers to "bring your own booze" as pool, darts, and live sports can still be played and shown despite the ruling.

The committee meeting on Wednesday heard that people in charge were accused of misleading the police, failing to call the emergency services and interfering with a crime scene following an attack on 16 July.

CCTV footage played during the hearing showed an offender throwing objects at several people attending a wake at the venue, before an altercation broke out.

Body-worn camera footage from police revealed victims showing officers their stab wounds, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Police also showed footage to the hearing of an individual pouring cups of water on the crime scene.

'Luck' no-one died

Paul Clarke, a solicitor representing Durham Police, said there was no report made to the force or ambulance services and it appeared police were misdirected from the scene.

"It's through good luck that no-one died," he added.

A teenager has been charged with two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm and is currently going through the court system.

Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership said it was "disturbing" children were still present at the venue and witnessed the events after 23:00 BST.

Marcus Lavell, defending, told the hearing: "The matter was not handled well and we don't shy away from that.

"But this premises has no issues of crime and disorder or child safeguarding in the years it has been open."

Staff at the Aviator previously said the attacks did not happen on its property.

Jacob Kennedy, the venue's premises supervisor, said he would step away from the business to ensure it could continue, but the licence was revoked.

The committee also turned down a request to suspend the licence while the management of the bar was transferred.

But the Aviator said it was "not going down without a fight" and intended to appeal the licensing committee's decision at the High Court.

A statement read: "We owe it to the hardworking team members who've become like family to us to exhaust every avenue to save their jobs and pass the premises on.

"We'll keep the Aviator spirit alive, and our team members will continue to provide the top-notch service you've come to expect."